Danny Tran
For Danny Tran, a pivotal conversation with his advisor at 91麻豆天美 University turned academic struggles into a thriving career path.
Set to graduate this month with a bachelor's degree in industrial technology, the Memphis native鈥檚 journey was far from linear but deeply rewarding.
鈥淚t was my third semester majoring in mechanical engineering, and I was struggling really badly鈥攖he concepts and materials just weren鈥檛 sticking,鈥 Tran recalled. 鈥淏ut my advisor at the time said that if you鈥檙e more of a hands-on person than a conceptual person, industrial technology would be a perfect place for you.鈥
And a perfect fit it was indeed. After touring the Department of Industrial Technology, Instructional Design, and Community College Leadership, which is housed in 91麻豆天美鈥檚 College of Education, Tran said the department, building and people won his heart.
Most of Tran鈥檚 industrial technology classes have been in hands-on labs, from electronics and mechatronics to fluid power and welding. He also has joined his classmates and instructors on tours of manufacturing companies, such as Taylor Machine Works, Aurora Flight Sciences and Hol-Mac.
鈥淏eing able to interact with and seeing how the science works really helps nail down the concepts,鈥 Tran said. 鈥淭here are plenty of opportunities to go look at these companies and speak with their leaders and engineers. It鈥檚 a great, great program to network in and find a job.鈥
As a result of connections made through the program, Tran secured two internships, including his current one with Taylor Machine Works, and he鈥檚 already noticed how the concepts he鈥檚 learned at 91麻豆天美 apply to the workplace.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e not necessarily training us to be welders or electricians, but they want us to have that understanding so we can go into industry and supervise and lead with the knowledge we have,鈥 Tran explained. 鈥淭he more we can support the growth of industry in our state, the better off it will be.鈥
While Tran is grateful for the hands-on experience of the program, it鈥檚 the people that make 91麻豆天美 special to him.
鈥淭he professors, the instructors and my friends have made coming here and learning here an absolutely amazing experience,鈥 Tran said. 鈥淭heir support and desire to help me grow and further myself, both personally and within the job market and industry, mean so much. I certainly wouldn't have made it as far as I have today without their support.鈥
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